Treatments and Services

BMC’s Criminal Justice Diversion programs include three mental health court sessions, four recovery court sessions, the Boston Police Co-Responder program and the Boston Emergency Medical Services [EMS] alternative response model. In addition, a BMC-affiliated substance use clinician serves all eight Boston Municipal Courts and assists with evaluating court-involved individuals for substance use disorders.

Mental Health Court  

This program serves individuals involved with the justice system who have mental health and co-occurring substance use concerns, either as a pretrial diversionary program or post-conviction program. MHC offers treatment and intensive social services to help these individuals achieve recovery, maintain stability, and avoid incarceration. There are currently three mental health court sessions within the Boston Municipal Courts located at the BMC Central, West Roxbury, and Roxbury courts.  

Recovery Court  

Recovery Court is an alternative to incarceration that integrates substance abuse treatment, sanctions, and incentives with case processing. It places nonviolent court-involved individuals with substance use disorders in habilitation programs supervised by the court. The recovery court concept is a significant departure from traditional court practice. There are currently four mental health court sessions within the Boston Municipal Courts located at the Dorchester, Charlestown, South Boston, and East Boston courts.  

Police Co-Responder Program  

Co-responders specializing in clinical responses attend to 911 calls for service alongside officers and provide on-site triage and clinical support that expands options for the outcome of a call to police. Co-responders bridge communication between the Boston Police Department and the behavioral health system, helping to divert arrests and connect individuals with needed services to remain safely in the community. Co-response services are currently available city-wide, seven days a week.  

Boston EMS Alternative Response Model  

The alternative response model is a voluntary program providing a non-ambulance response to low-acuity 911 calls involving behavioral health needs. The responding crew, an EMT and BEST clinician, provide on-scene evaluation, clinical support, and treatment recommendations. Additional services can include transport to an alternative destination such as a behavioral health urgent care center or a substance use urgent care center. The unit is available city-wide and can respond to clients of any age.